Starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks

ABSTRACT

A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like for building mortarless walls and more particularly to a starter element for stackable inter-engaging ricks, blocks, stones and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stackable inter-engaging bricks for building mortarless walls or the like are known in the art. Wall building blocks which may be stacked and interlocked without being held together by a binding agent such as mortar are known. One such block has a top face which comprises a tongue element and a bottom face which comprise a mortise element. Both elements are configured in such way that when like blocks are stacked, the bottom face of a block engages with the top face of a like block disposed below while the top face of the block engages with the bottom face of an above-disposed block. An example of such blocks is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,995 (Bouchard et al).

Most commonly, the first step in building mortarless walls is the installation of a starter element to a structure (by screws, nails, or other fasteners) into a predetermined position (usually, it is a horizontal position). The starter element is a very important starting base for a lowest row or course of bricks. Typically the starter element is a longitudinally extending slightly modified metal angle or L-beam. Sometimes the first row is made of specially designed base or foot bricks that are simply placed on a base made of wood, metal or concrete on which the base or foot brick is settled.

Such elements are heavy, are difficult to cut to the desired length and are costly to install.

Thus, there is a need to develop a starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks which is lightweight, cheap, can be easy installed and allows quick and effective brick stacking onto it.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like that obviates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like whose installation can be done expeditiously.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like which can be easily installed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide the starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like which is easy and cheap to manufacture.

One more object of the present invention is to provide the starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like which allows the time required to build the mortarless wall.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To attain these and other objects which will become more apparent as the description proceeds according to one aspect of the present invention, a starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks, stones and the like for building mortarless walls is provided. Each of the bricks, blocks, stones or the like has a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that the bricks are in a mutual engagement when bricks, blocks, stones or the like are stacked one of top of the other. For ease of reference, every time the word “brick” is used hereinafter, it is to be understood to include any other similar stackable product such as blocks and stones.

The starter element comprises a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure such as studs, furring or a base, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly to be in a mutual engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick to retain the bricks along the structure, a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with the side of the brick that faces the structure. Openings are preferably provided to receive fasteners to attach the starter element to the structure in a predetermined position. These openings may also receive fasteners projecting from the inside of said bricks to secure the bricks to the structure.

The starter element can also comprise means to allow the drainage of water and the circulation of air between the structure and the wall.

The starter element is made from a sheet-like rigid material such as steel, plastic, aluminium and fibreglass or it can be extruded from plastic (preferably recycled material) such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or aluminium.

Preferably, the fasteners are made as screws, nails, dowels, pins, or the like.

A method for installing a mortarless walls or the like along a structure from a series of stackable inter-engaging bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that being in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one of top of the other, with the use of a starter element is also provided.

The method comprises a) selecting an arbitrary reference mark on the structure, b) establishing a second mark at a distance from the reference mark to ensure a substantial level with the reference mark, c) attaching a first portion of a starter element to the structure in the substantial level by fasteners, the starter element including a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to the structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in a mutual engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick to retain the bricks along the structure and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick, d) stackably inter-engaging the brick to the starter element, e) fastening each of the bricks of the first row by a second fastener to the structure via the starter element to define a lowest row of bricks, f) stackably inter-engaging next rows of the bricks to the lowest row for building mortarless walls or the like along the structure, g) fastening at least some of the bricks of at least every fourth row to the structure.

The invention accordingly comprises the construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the starter element shown in FIG. 1 in inter-engaging position with the brick;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a mortarless wall built by stackable inter-engaging bricks with the starter element according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the starter element shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a typical wall ready to receive the starter element of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the starter element shown in FIG. 6 as installed on the wall shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the starter element shown in FIG. 9 on which a plurality of stackable bricks have been installed;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the starter element of FIG. 11 along line A-A;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the starter element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the starter element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the starter element of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the annexed drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purposes and by no means as of limitation.

The drawings and the description attached to it are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. As to the details, the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. So, the shape or size of the starter element 10 may be formed as desired, considering the needs and specifics of the wall 6 and bricks 1.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, a first embodiment of the present invention is a starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks and is generally indicated as 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, the starter element 10 is illustrated in a normally attached position. This starter element 10 is created to be used for building a mortarless wall 6 along a structure, for example via the furring F from the stackable inter-engaging bricks 1. The starter element 10 has a special profile which will be described below.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, each of the bricks has a tongue interlock element 2 and a mortise interlock element 3 configured in such a way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one of top of the other.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the starter element 10 comprises a first upper portion 20 customized to be adjustably attached to the furring F and upwardly extending from a second lower portion 30 to retain the bricks 1 along the furring F. The second lower portion 30 has an upper part 31 with an interlock element 32 projecting upwardly from the upper part 31 to be in a mutual engagement with the mortise interlock element 3 of said brick 1, a middle part 33 sloping downwardly from the interlock element 32 to be in at least partial contact with the inside surface 4 of the brick 1 and a lower part 34 extending rearwardly from the middle part 33 towards the furring F. The fasteners 40 attach the first upper portion 20 of the starter element 10 to the furring F in a predetermined position. The starter element 10 is screwed or otherwise fastened to the furring F. It is also possible that the starter element 10 is fastened in place by nailing or other existing now or in the future fastening means. Typically, the mortarless wall 6 is built by forming a foundation in place and then attaching the starter element 10 about this foundation to start stacking the inter-engaging bricks 1.

Second fasteners 50 are used to secure an upper section 5 of at least one of the stackable bricks 1 to the furring F via the starter element 10.

The starter element 10, 110 or 210 is made from relatively thin and rigid sheet-like material such as, steel, aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, laminated materials, etc . . .

It is preferable, that the free end 35 of the lower part 34 be located at a certain distance from the furring F. This distance is, in this example, between 1 to 15 mm which allows defining starting element's 10 resilient flexibility that is enough to adapt the mortise interlock element 3 of the brick 1. The middle part 30 is customized shorter than the furring-facing surface 4 of the brick 1 such that the starter element 10 will be masked from view once the bricks are installed thereon.

The middle part 33 may have any shape that generally matching at least partially that of the furring-facing surface 4 of the brick 1.

The fasteners 40 and 50 can be nails, screws, bolts, dowels, pins, or the like.

A method for installing a mortarless walls 6 or the like along a furring F from the stackable inter-engaging bricks 1 having a tongue interlock element 2 and a mortise interlock element 3 configured in such way that being in a mutual engagement when bricks 1 are stacked one of top of the other (see FIG. 4), with the use of a starter element 10 will now be described.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 the method comprises next main steps:

-   a) selecting an arbitrary reference mark on said furring F (not     shown), -   b) establishing a second mark at a distance from the reference mark     to ensure a substantial level with the reference mark (not shown), -   c) attaching the starter element 10 to the furring F in the     substantial level by fasteners 40 (see FIG. 1), -   d) stackably inter-engaging the brick 1 to the starter element 10     (see FIG. 2), -   e) fastening each of the bricks 1 by second fasteners 50 to the     furring F via the starter element 10 to define a lowest row 7 of     bricks 1 (see FIG. 3), -   f) stackably inter-engaging next rows of the bricks 1 to the lowest     row 7 for building mortarless walls 6 or the like along the furring     F, -   g) fastening at least some of the bricks 1 of at least every fourth     row to the furring F (see FIG. 4); which row of bricks 1 need to be     fastened depends of the particular dimensions and location of the     mortarless wall 6.

Another embodiment of starter element 100 is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the starter element comprises a lower portion 130 and an upper portion 120 upwardly extending there from. The upper portion 120 is adapted to be attached to the wall structure (typically via furring) by screws, nails, bolts or other known means. The lower portion 130 comprises an upper part 131 comprising an interlock element 132 projecting upwardly there from to be in mutual engagement with the mortise interlock element 3 of brick 1, a middle part 133 sloping downwardly from the interlock element 132 to be in at least partial contact with the inside surface 4 of the brick 1 and a lower part 134 extending rearwardly from the middle part 133 to a vertically extending rear part 136. A series of openings 135 are made in the lower part 134. These openings 135 will allow any water entering into the enclosed space 139 to drain and will allow a fastener to be used to fasten the starter element to a base (not shown) or to another structural element.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6-10. In this embodiment, the starter element 210 comprises an interlock element 232 extending upwardly from a core portion 230 adapted to be in mutual engagement with the mortise interlock element 3 of brick 1. The core portion 230 is adapted to be attached to the wall structure (typically via furring) by screws, nails, bolts or other known means via holes 238. The core portion comprises a lower part 234, a middle part 233 sloping downwardly from the interlock element 232 to be in at least partial contact with the inside surface 4 of the brick 1 and a rear part 236 extending vertically between the lower part 234 and the interlock element 232. A tab 240 extends rearwardly from the rear part 236. The tab 240 is adapted to be attached to the wall structure (typically via a base) by screws, nails, bolts or other known means via holes 235. A <<V-notch>> 237 is preferably disposed at the juncture of rear part 236 and tab 240 to facilitate the removal of the tab 240 with a utility knife or the like in those instances when it is not needed.

A fourth embodiment 310 of the starter strip of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 and more particularly in FIGS. 11 and 12. This fourth embodiment 310 is relatively similar to the embodiment 210. However, the starter strip 310 is adapted to allow the passage of air and/or water between the starter strip 310 and the structure onto which the wall 6 of bricks 1 is built. This starter strip 310 can thus be installed onto the structure without the need of furring F and/or other similar structure.

Now referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, we can see in more details the construction of the starter strip 310. The skilled addressee will note the relative similarity between the starter strip 210 and the starter strip 310. Thus, as for starter strip 210, starter strip 310 generally comprises a main or core portion 330 adapted to be attached to the wall structure by screws, nails, bolts or other known fasteners via holes 338. Extending from the core portion 330 is a top interlocking portion 332 adapted to engage the mortise element 3 of the brick 1. Sloping and extending downwardly from the interlock portion 332 is a front portion 333. The front portion 333 is adapted to be in at least partial contact with the structure-facing surface of the brick 1. At the end of the front portion 333 is a generally horizontal lower portion 334 which extends rearwardly. A first back or rear portion 336 extends generally vertically between the top interlocking portion 332 and the lower portion 334. The starter strip 310 further comprises a second back or rear portion 346 extending generally vertically between the top interlocking portion 332 and the lower portion 334. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first back portion 336 is generally located between the front portion 333 and the second back portion 346.

The preserve the integrity of and to add rigidity to the starter strip 310, supporting portions 341 and 342 are preferably added between the front portion 333 and the first back portion 336 and second back portion 346. Understandably, depending on several external parameters such as the rigidity of the material of the starter strip 310 and/or the final weight of the wall 6, the number and placement of the supporting portions 341 and 342 can change.

Finally, a tab 340 extends generally rearwardly from the lower portion 334. The tab 340 is adapted to be attached to the wall structure (typically via a base) by screws, nails, bolts or other known means via holes (not shown). At the juncture point between the tab 340, the lower portion 334 and the second back portion 346, there is a V-notch or groove 337 generally extending laterally along the starter strip 310. This notch or groove 337 allows for the easy removal of the tab 340 with a utility knife or the like in those instances when the tab 340 is not needed.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and also in FIGS. 14 and 15, the main particularity of the starter strip 310 is that the second back portion 346 does not laterally extend completely along the strip 310 whereas the first back portion 336 does extend completely along the strip 310. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, at generally regular intervals 356, there is no second back portion 346. The starter strip 310 therefore comprises generally laterally extending sections where the second back portion 346 is present and generally laterally extending sections where the second back portion 346 is absent. These absences of second back portion 346 create drainage and/or ventilation cavities or channels 347 which generally allow for the drainage of water and/or the circulation of air. These drainage/ventilation channels 347 therefore serve to prevent the accumulation of water between the structure and the wall 6 and also allow for the passage of air between the structure and the wall 6.

As shown in FIG. 12, the channel 347 extends from the top portion 332 to the lower portion 334. Any water that might be present between the structure and the wall 6 can thus drain through the strip 310 and toward the ground. Moreover, since air can flow between the exterior and the area between the structure and the wall 6, the exterior pressure and the pressure in the area between the structure and the wall 6 is at an equilibrium.

Even though the channels 347 shown in FIGS. 11-15 are generally and preferably vertical, this is not an absolute prerequisite. Indeed, the channels 347 could be at an angle or have jagged sides. The final shape of the channels 347 is unimportant as long as the channels 347 allow a proper drainage of the water and an adequate ventilation.

Since furrings F are generally installed on the structure to create drainage and/or ventilation channels, the starter strip 310 can be installed onto the structure without the need for such furrings F. The skilled addressee will readily understand that the channels previously created by the furrings F are replaced by the channels 347 created by the regular absence of the second back portion 346.

Finally, the starter strip 310 could further comprise small drainage holes (not shown) located in the lower portion 334, the front portion 333 and/or the first back portion 336 to enhance the draining process. Moreover, these holes could be preformed and/or added upon installation of the starter strip 310. These holes would generally prevent the accumulation of water in or near the starter strip 310.

Although the present starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks for building mortarless walls along a structure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiment(s) described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1. A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks for building mortarless walls along a wall structure, each of said bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one on top of the other, said bricks having an inner surface facing said structure, said starter element comprising: a. a first rear portion attachable to said wall structure; b. a second portion to support and retain said bricks along the structure, said second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in a mutual engagement with said mortise interlock element of said brick; and, c. a third middle portion sloping down from said interlock element to be in at least partial contact with said inner surface of the brick.
 2. The starter element according to claim 1, and including fastener openings in said first portion to secure at least some of said stackable bricks to the structure via said starter element.
 3. The starter element according to claim 2, wherein the starter element is made from a substantially rigid sheet-like material.
 4. The starter element according to claim 3, wherein said material is chosen from steel, aluminium, plastic and fibreglass.
 5. The starter element according to claim 4, wherein the third portion has a shape generally matching at least partially that of the inner surface of the brick.
 6. The starter element according to claim 5, wherein said third portion is shorter than said inner surface of the brick.
 7. The starter element according to claim 6, further comprising a tab extending rearwardly from said third portion.
 8. The starter element according to claim 7, further comprising a fourth portion extending vertically from said tab.
 9. The starter element according to claim 1, wherein said first rear portion comprises at least one drainage/ventilation channel defining a space between said first portion and said structure.
 10. The starter element according to claim 9, wherein said drainage/ventilation channel extends generally vertically.
 11. A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks for building mortarless walls along a structure, each of said bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one of top of the other said bricks having an inner surface facing said structure, said starter element comprising: a. a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to said structure; b. a second portion to support and retain said bricks along the structure, said second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in a mutual engagement with said mortise interlock element of said brick, c. a third portion sloping downwardly from said interlock element to be in at least partial contact with said inner surface of the brick, d. a fourth portion extending rearwardly from said third portion towards said structure; and e. a fifth portion extending vertically between said upper part and said fourth portion.
 12. The starter element according to claim 11, and including fastener openings in said first portion to secure at least some of said stackable bricks to the structure via said starter element.
 13. The starter element according to claim 12, wherein the starter element is made from a rigid sheet-like material.
 14. The starter element according to claim 13, wherein said material is chosen from steel, aluminium, plastic and fibreglass.
 15. The starter element according to claim 14, wherein the third portion has a shape generally matching at least partially that of the inner surface of the brick.
 16. The starter element according to claim 15, wherein said third portion is shorter than said inner surface of the brick.
 17. The starter element according to claim 11, wherein said first portion and said fifth portion comprise at least one drainage/ventilation channel defining a space between said first portion and said fifth portion and said structure.
 18. The starter element according to claim 17, wherein said drainage/ventilation channel extends generally vertically.
 19. The starter element according to claim 11, wherein said starter element further comprises a sixth portion extending vertically between said upper part and said fourth portion whereby said fifth portion is generally located between said sixth portion and said third portion.
 20. The starter element according to claim 19, wherein said starter element extends generally laterally and wherein said starter element comprises laterally extending sections where said sixth portion is present and laterally extending sections where said sixth portion is absent, said laterally extending section where said sixth portion is absent defining a drainage/ventilation channel.
 21. The starter element according to claim 20, wherein said drainage/ventilation channel extends through said upper part and said fourth portion.
 22. A method for installing mortarless walls or the like to a structure from stackable inter-engaging bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one of top of the other, said method involving the use of a starter element comprising a first portion attachable to said structure, a second portion to support and retain said bricks along the structure, said second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in a mutual engagement with said mortise interlock element of said brick; and a third middle portion sloping down from said interlock element to be in at least partial contact with said inner surface of the brick, said method comprising the following, steps: a. selecting an arbitrary reference mark on said structure; b. establishing a second mark on said structure at a distance from said reference mark to ensure a substantial level with said reference mark; c. attaching said first portion of said starter element to the structure in said substantial level by a fastener; d. stackably inter-engaging said bricks onto the starter element; e. fastening at least some of said bricks by fasteners to the structure via said starter element to define a lowest row of bricks; f. stackably inter-engaging next rows of the bricks to said lowest row; g. fastening at least some of the bricks of at least every fourth row to the structure.
 23. A method as described in claim 22 wherein in step e), all of said bricks are fastened to said structure.
 24. A method for installing mortarless walls or the like to a structure from the stackable inter-engaging bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one of top of the other, said method involving the use of a starter element comprising a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to said structure, a second portion to support and retain said bricks along the structure, said second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in a mutual engagement with said mortise interlock element of said brick, a third portion sloping downwardly from said interlock element to be in at least partial contact with said inner surface of the brick, a fourth portion extending rearwardly from said third portion part towards said structure, and a fifth portion extending vertically between said upper part and said fourth portion, said method comprising the following steps: a. selecting an arbitrary reference mark on said structure; b. establishing a second mark on said structure at a distance from said reference mark to ensure a substantial level with said reference mark; c. attaching said first portion of said starter element to the structure in said substantial level by a fastener; d. stackably inter-engaging said bricks onto the starter element; e. fastening at least some of said bricks by fasteners to the structure via said starter element to define a lowest row of bricks; f. stackably inter-engaging next rows of the bricks to said lowest row; g. fastening at least some of the bricks of at least every fourth row to the structure.
 25. A method as described in claim 24 wherein in step e), all of said bricks are fastened to said structure.
 26. A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks for building mortarless walls along a wall structure, each of said bricks having a tongue interlock element and a mortise interlock element configured in such way that they are in a mutual engagement when bricks are stacked one on top of the other, said bricks having an inner surface structure, said starter element comprising: a. a first rear portion; b. a second portion to support and retain said bricks along the structure, said second portion having a upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in mutual engagement with said mortise interlock element of said brick; c. a third middle portion sloping down from said interlock element to be in at least partial contact with said inner surface of the brick; d. a fourth portion extending rearwardly from said third portion towards said structure; e. a tab extending rearwardly from said first portion towards said structure.
 27. A starter element as claimed in claim 26, wherein said first rear portion is attachable to said wall structure.
 28. A starter element as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a plurality of supporting portions, preferably between the said first portion and the said third portion.
 29. The starter element according to claim 26, wherein the said tab is adapted to be attached to the wall structure by attachment means via holes.
 30. The starter element according to claim 26, further comprising a second rear portion, generally parallel to said first rear portion.
 31. The starter element according to claim 26, wherein the said tab further comprise a “V-Notch” disposed at the junction of the said first portion and the said fourth portion.
 32. The starter element according to claim 32, wherein the starter element is made from a substantially rigid sheet-like material.
 33. The starter element according to claim 33, wherein said material is chosen from steel, aluminium, plastic and fibreglass.
 34. The starter element according to claim 33, wherein the third portion has a shape generally matching at least partially that of the inner surface of the brick.
 35. The starter element according to claim 26, wherein said first rear portion comprises at least one drainage/ventilation channel defining a space between said first portion and said structure.
 36. The starter element according to claim 35, wherein said drainage/ventilation channel extends generally vertically. 